Jackson's school plan

Officials of the Jackson School District believe a majority of voters favor improved and expanded facilities for students, but a large segment of the district's patrons believe a proposal that has failed twice is too ambitious.

Now the district will ask voters in August to approve a $19.8 million lease-purchase plan that requires only a simple majority. The new plan will keep more of the existing buildings than the original and also cuts $7.2 million from original cost.

Officials are right to assume that the cost of meeting the district's future space needs will continue to climb.

The need for improvements in the growing district has been amply demonstrated. The plan on the ballot in August will be another opportunity to meet that need.